Ablaze in a Blizzard

The commanding Officer. Irrespective of the level one reaches in the chain of promation, commanding a Battalion or its equivalent (Lt Col/Col)is the best appointment in the services. Here the commanding officer is the Godfather of all ranks of the Regiment. He guards the tradition set by his predicessors, takes care of the welfare and trains his command for war and peace time employment. Commanding officer is not an individual but an institution. He trains all ranks to the best of his abilities. His appointment should be an oppurtunity given to him to show the faith and integrity imposed by the system and improve on it depending upon the scientific and technological advancement exists at that time.

A team of officers are already there when he takes over. He may add or remove according to his wish. Some of the officers may be already known to him and some may be unknown. It should be the moral resposibility of the CO to look at everyone dispationately and take the team together as they perform.Many of the COs take this oppurtunity for elevating themself by using the Regimental resources, both men and materials. Some of the junior officers who question any misuse will obviously be in his bad book and may be victiimised in the ACR. A capable officer whether the CO or a junior will in any case shine wherever posted. An officer who was demoted for some reasons later was awarded "scientific officer of the year".

This shows that the fire in the belly of the individual should always be burning for performance. Even though Ganesan had some unpleasent experience in Leh, the CO was a gentleman and hence things moved smoothly. Ganesan reported to MEG&Centre, Bangalore and was appointed Training officer of a Training Battalion. Thousands of young boys who knowingly or unknowingly opted to be soldiers are motivated, inspired and trained there.Ganesan dived like fish to deep water and enjoyed his tennure there. Let us see. Contd....